Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron Di III 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
The Nikon 16-85mm VR is widely praised as an excellent all-around zoom for DX cameras, delivering sharp images across the focal range with effective VR. Users note it outperforms kit lenses like the 18-105mm and even rivals the pricier 17-55mm in sharpness, though it is heavy and somewhat slow (f/3.5-5.6). Build quality is solid with a metal barrel, and the 16mm wide end is a key advantage for landscapes. Some caution about vignetting with thick filters and barrel distortion at 16mm, but overall it is considered a worthy investment for enthusiasts.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness across focal range
- Effective VR II image stabilization
- Solid build with metal barrel
- Useful 16-85mm zoom range
- Great for landscapes and travel
Cons
- Heavy weight (3.1 lb with D90)
- Slow aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Expensive for an f/3.5-5.6 lens
- Barrel distortion at 16mm
- Vignetting with thick filters at 16mm
Tamron Di III 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is widely praised for its versatile zoom range, sharp image quality, and excellent value for money. Users highlight its usefulness for wildlife, sports, and travel photography, though some note it is heavier than expected and the maximum aperture limits low-light performance. A few Sony users reported issues with image stabilization when paired with certain camera bodies, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Versatile 50-400mm zoom range
- Sharp image quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good build quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
Cons
- Heavier than expected
- Limited low-light performance due to small aperture
- Image stabilization issues with some Sony bodies
- Lens collar not included
- A bit dark compared to faster lenses
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Tamron Di III 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | — | 24 |
| Groups | — | 18 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 1.15 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 249 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Tamron Di III 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
- Strong optical (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong versatility (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average build (23rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 3.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
